Sunday, October 18, 2026
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For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth

Sunday, October 18

Good news, worth watching.

Stories of hope, kindness, resilience and progress — each one carrying a video, and each read through the science of wellbeing.

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HopeUpworthy

Shake Shack founder shares the ‘one question’ people should ask themselves daily for a happier life

In a world often overshadowed by negativity, Danny Meyer, the founder of Shake Shack, offers a simple yet profound question to shift our daily perspective: 'What could possibly go right today?' This question, as discussed in a conversation with journalist Katie Couric, encourages optimism, a mindset linked to happier and potentially longer lives, as supported by studies cited from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The idea isn't to ignore life's challenges, but to consciously choose a lens of possibility and hope, acknowledging that while our biochemical wiring might predispose us to certain outlooks, we can still steer our focus toward positivity.

  • Hope
  • Perspective
  • Curiosity
YouTube
GrowthUpworthy

New ‘chronoworkers’ trend lets employees choose their hours based on when they’re sharpest

The concept of 'chronoworking' is gaining traction as a solution to the misalignment many feel with the traditional 9-to-5 workday. By allowing employees to work during their peak productivity hours, determined by their circadian rhythms, this approach promises to enhance both personal well-being and workplace efficiency. A survey by Robert Walters indicates that a significant majority of workers are eager to adopt such flexible schedules, anticipating improvements in mental health and productivity.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective
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ConnectionUpworthy

Your group chat might be more powerful than you think

The story of Kara Cartwright's birthday wish and Patagonia's 11.2 Million Vote Project illustrates the profound impact of personal connections in mobilizing civic engagement. Cartwright, typically private about her personal details, broke her own rules to ask her followers for a birthday gift: their commitment to vote in the upcoming election. This simple yet powerful request highlights how individual actions, rooted in personal relationships, can inspire broader societal participation.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
YouTube
ResilienceGood News Network

Teen’s Disaster Messaging App Can ‘Hop’ Across Bluetooth When Cellular Networks Collapse

In the wake of the February 2023 earthquakes that ravaged Türkiye and Syria, Emirhan Durham, a high school student in Istanbul, was inspired to develop Crisis Connect, an innovative messaging app designed to maintain communication when traditional networks fail. By utilizing Bluetooth technology, Crisis Connect allows messages to 'hop' from device to device, creating a mesh network that can function without cellular or internet access. This approach addresses the critical need for reliable communication during disasters, ensuring that people can connect with loved ones and emergency services when infrastructure is compromised.

  • Hope
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

17 Great Depression recipes people still cook today during hard times

In a world where convenience often takes precedence over resourcefulness, the resurgence of Great Depression recipes serves as a poignant reminder of the ingenuity born out of necessity. These recipes, passed down through generations, are not only a testament to the resilience of those who lived through economic hardship but also offer practical solutions for modern times. From the simple yet satisfying 'Hoover Stew' to the surprisingly delightful 'Wacky Cake,' these dishes emphasize using what is available, minimizing waste, and maximizing flavor.

  • Gratitude
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
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KindnessUpworthy

A 16-year-old busboy wrote a motto so legendary he became the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton

Horst Schulze's journey from a 16-year-old busboy in a German resort town to co-founder of Ritz-Carlton is a testament to the transformative power of vision and respect. Inspired by the dignified conduct of a maître d’ he observed, Schulze penned an essay titled 'We Are Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies and Gentlemen.' This phrase encapsulated his belief in the inherent dignity of every worker, which later became the guiding ethos of the Ritz-Carlton brand—one that democratizes respect, ensuring that every employee, from dishwasher to executive, is as valued as the guests they serve.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Perspective
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ConnectionUpworthy

New research suggests that having a happy marriage can be a big problem for a couple’s longevity

In a surprising twist on conventional wisdom, a study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals that while happy marriages can contribute to a longer life, they must be paired with healthy lifestyle habits to truly slow down the aging process. Researchers found that couples who maintained a joyful partnership but neglected exercise, sleep, and diet did not see the expected benefits in biological aging markers. Instead, it appears that the synergy of emotional and physical wellness is crucial for longevity, suggesting that love alone, while powerful, is not a panacea.

  • Love
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
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KindnessUpworthy

Andy Grammer shares his fierce, joyful defense of optimism

Andy Grammer's journey from busking on the Santa Monica pier to becoming a multi-platinum artist is a testament to the power of optimism and action. In his conversation with Upworthy, he shares how embracing 'reckless kindness' and pursuing actions that spread positivity have not only shaped his music career but also his approach to life's challenges. His latest album, 'Big Stupid Heart,' serves as both a personal war cry and a public invitation to embrace optimism in a world that often feels overwhelming.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Kindness
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Cool video explains why great film actors can tell a story without making any facial expressions

The article explores the intriguing concept of the Kuleshov Effect, a film editing technique that demonstrates how audiences derive meaning from the juxtaposition of sequential shots. Initially discovered by Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov, this phenomenon shows that viewers attribute different emotions to an actor's unchanged facial expressions based on the context provided by the surrounding images. The technique remains relevant in modern cinema, as demonstrated by actors like Ryan Gosling and Zendaya, whose performances often rely on subtlety and minimalism.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
YouTube
GrowthUpworthy

Homeowner who couldn’t stand dead lawn is blown away after planting ‘Garden In A Box’

In the arid and rocky terrain of Colorado, a homeowner's transformation of a barren lawn into a vibrant garden serves as a testament to the power of sustainable landscaping. Using the innovative 'Garden In A Box' program, a collaboration between Denver Water and Resource Central, the homeowner not only revitalized their outdoor space but also contributed to significant water conservation efforts. The program, which provides easy-to-use kits with 15-30 plants and detailed planting guides, has saved Colorado residents a staggering 240 million gallons of water since its inception, demonstrating that beauty and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Gen X and Boomer women who refuse to retire alone are turning to the ‘Golden Girls’ retirement plan

In a refreshing twist on traditional retirement living, Gen X and Boomer women are finding inspiration in the beloved sitcom 'The Golden Girls', opting for communal living arrangements over conventional senior facilities. This innovative approach is being explored in retreats at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in New Mexico, where women gather to discuss the logistics and emotional considerations of cohabitating as they age. Facilitated by Elizabeth White, these retreats delve into practical questions about shared living, encouraging participants to weigh the benefits of companionship against potential challenges like illness or compatibility issues.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Courage
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Psychologists say the easy ‘Third-Person’ method helps you get over tough emotions quickly

In a fascinating exploration of emotional regulation, psychologists have pinpointed a simple yet effective strategy: third-person self-talk. This approach involves mentally stepping back from one's immediate emotional experience by referring to oneself in the third person. This small shift in perspective can lead to significant reductions in emotional brain activity, as evidenced by studies where participants showed decreased emotional responses when they adopted this technique. By creating a psychological distance, individuals can analyze their feelings with greater clarity and calm, a method that promises to enhance emotional resilience and decision-making.

  • Perspective
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

Social worker role-plays “the enmeshed parent,” and people are recognizing their own childhoods

In an eye-opening video, social worker Patrick Teahan role-plays the complex dynamics of an 'enmeshed parent' to illuminate a common yet often misunderstood family dynamic. This portrayal resonated with nearly a million viewers, many of whom recognized their own childhood experiences in his depiction. Enmeshment, characterized by blurred boundaries and excessive involvement in each other's lives, can prevent children from developing a separate identity, leading to issues like low self-worth and anxiety.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Hope
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From the Research Desk

The science behind the good

The finding1 of 5

Kursk residents' life quality is moderately impacted by healthcare system satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Problemy sotsial'noi gigieny, zdravookhraneniia i istorii meditsiny

[THE SUBJECTIVE ESTIMATES OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN POPULATION OF PROVINCIAL REGION THROUGH THE PRISM OF SATISFACTION OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM].

  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the quality of healthcare systems influences the subjective quality of life for residents in the city of Kursk, Russia. The researchers conducted a survey to understand how people's perceptions of their well-being and life quality are linked to their satisfaction with healthcare services. The findings indicate that inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure and personnel negatively impact residents' quality of life.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Peking University found that more family support than incivility boosts adolescent life satisfaction and reduces anxiety and depression.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of research on adolescence : the official journal of the Society for Research on Adolescence

The interplay of family support and family incivility on adolescent mental health.

  • Relationships
  • Meaning

This study explores how family dynamics, specifically support and incivility, affect adolescent mental health. By analyzing data from nearly a thousand Chinese high school students, researchers found that the balance between positive and negative family interactions plays a crucial role in shaping mental health outcomes. Adolescents who experienced more family support than incivility reported higher life satisfaction and a stronger sense of meaning in life. Conversely, when family incivility was high, the benefits of family support on meaning in life diminished.

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The finding1 of 4

Scientists at Istanbul University found that higher self-efficacy in veterinary students is linked to healthier lifestyles and greater life satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Veterinary medicine and science

Self-Efficacy, Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle, and Life Satisfaction: An Integrated Model Accounting for Self-Reported Recreational Physical Activity Participation Status in Veterinary Students.

  • Accomplishment
  • Engagement

This study explores how self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to succeed, relates to healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices and overall life satisfaction among veterinary students. It found that students with higher self-efficacy tend to lead healthier lifestyles and report greater life satisfaction. The research also indicates that lifestyle partially mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction, suggesting that how students live can influence the benefits of self-efficacy.

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Read by what you need today

Hope

Stories that widen the sense of what's possible.

Resilience

People and communities bending without breaking.

Gratitude

Noticing and naming the good that's already here.

Connection

The quiet, durable work of belonging to one another.

Courage

Acting well in the presence of fear or cost.

Kindness

Everyday generosity that compounds.

Creativity

New answers to old problems.

Growth

Learning, healing, and becoming more whole.